--ESPN researcher Alok Pattani looks at Bryant's matchup with LeBron James via isolation plays and concludes Bryant's beaten him out. Of course, this is a small sample size and isolation plays aren't the same as a direct one-on-one competition. But it's a compelling nugget that will surely rest well with Laker fans.

Reader Comment of the Day: "No taking away Gasol's talents and what he brings to the team, but I'm with PJ on this. Because the game comes so easily to him, Gasol often strikes me as passive and just doing his thing. With Bynum and Kobe not able to contribute what the team needs, here's Pau's chance to bring it all every time. Pau could be a 25 and 15 player every night if he'd just recognize what the team needs. He's got it in him. I'm glad to see PJ raising the bar. Everyone on the team needs to answer the call." -- Rick Friedman

-- Mark Medina

Photo: Carmelo Anthony, who was almost traded by the Denver Nuggets this off-season, will be a free agent in 2011. Credit: Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times